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Over 100 Afghan Schoolgirls Poisoned

Atlanta 4/18/2012 04:19 AM GMT (WooEB)

Extremists opposed to educating women have been blamed for the poisoning of at least 140 female students and teachers in northeast Afghanistan. Health officials in Takhar province say is appears the Rostaq district school’s water tank was contaminated Tuesday with poison that caused the students and teachers to suffer dizziness and vomiting.

"Looking at the health condition of these girls, I can definitely say that their water was contaminated by some sort of poison. But we don't know yet what was the water exactly contaminated with,” said Takhar health director Dr. Hafizullah Safi.

The students and teachers were treated at a nearby hospital. Authorities are investigating the incident. "I think some radical elements who oppose girls going to school are behind this act," Rostaq governor Mohammad Hussain told AFP.